13 Best Places for Christmas & New Year in Northeast India
Quick Summary
In North East India, Christmas and New Year will give you sunny days, carol singing in lighted churches, bonfires and some of the finest wildlife watching in the whole of India. This article deals with 13 locations – 10 from Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, and 3 from Rajasthan. If you have just one minute, here’s the gist.
- Most appropriate for festive season: Shillong & Kohima
- Most suitable for wildlife: Kaziranga, where jeep safaris resumed from 3rd Oct, 2026
- Best destination for snow and mountaintops: Tawang & Dirang
- Perfect for a peaceful and unique experience: Wari Chora and Dawki
- Recommended period for a visit: 7-10 days
- Permits: Indian tourists require Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland
- Climate: Shillong – 5°C to 18°C; Tawang – freezing point temperature at nights
- Bookings: Flights to Guwahati and Hotels booking gets completed in last week of December
Quick Comparison: 13 Places at a Glance
| Place | State | Best for | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shillong | Meghalaya | Christmas carols, cafés, New Year bonfires | 2 nights |
| Living Root Bridges | Meghalaya | Short treks, village walks | 1 day |
| Cherrapunji & Dawki | Meghalaya | Waterfalls, crystal-clear river | 1–2 days |
| Wari Chora | Meghalaya | Calm riverside camping | 1–2 nights |
| Krem Chympe | Meghalaya | Cave exploring | Half day |
| Guwahati | Assam | Temples, Brahmaputra sunset | 1 night |
| Kaziranga | Assam | One-horned rhino safaris | 1–2 nights |
| Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | Snow, monastery, high passes | 2 nights |
| Dirang | Arunachal Pradesh | Orchards, hot springs | 1 night |
| Kohima & Dzukou Valley | Nagaland | Christmas lights, trekking | 2–3 nights |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | Forts, bazaars, sunshine | 2 nights |
| Udaipur | Rajasthan | Lakes, romantic New Year dinners | 2 nights |
| Jodhpur | Rajasthan | Mehrangarh Fort, blue lanes | 1–2 nights |
Not Sure Which Places Fit Your Trip?
Thirteen options across four states is a lot to choose from. Tell us your travel dates, group size and how much time you have, and our Shillong-based team will suggest the right mix of places for your Christmas or New Year holiday.
Why Is December the Best Time for Christmas & New Year in Northeast India?
December is the perfect time to visit the Northeast. The rains have receded and the weather is pleasant enough to wear light jackets but not too harsh. As per Meghalaya Tourism, Shillong is at an altitude of 1,496 metres above sea level. That’s the reason winter in Shillong is cool, cheerful and festive.
Even the atmosphere is completely transformed. The churches sparkle with fairy lights, choirs perform in native tongues, and the menu is full of pork, bamboo shoots and hot tea. Naga Hornbill Festival takes place between 1 and 10 December each year setting a cultural tone right before Christmas comes along. Clear roads make it much easier to visit scenic spots like riverbanks and root bridges in Meghalaya and other neighboring states.
Did you know? Kaziranga reopened for the 2026–27 season on 3 October 2026, with jeep safaris running in two daily slots. Elephant safaris resume on 1 November. By December the park is in full swing, and the grass is shorter and easier to spot rhinos in than in the early season.
Based out of Shillong, we have been organizing tours in December in the area for more than ten years; therefore, each of these choices listed is based on the personal experience of our guests.
Which Are the 13 Best Places for Christmas & New Year in Northeast India?
We start in the Meghalaya hills, move through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, and finish with three Rajasthan cities as an optional warm-weather add-on.
1. Shillong, Meghalaya: Carols, Cafés and Bonfires
Christmas in Northeast India is best experienced in Shillong since the city is bathed in lights from December onwards. Christmas songs play at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The city center lights up, the cafes have hot cocoa and local tea, and people gather on New Year’s Eve for bonfires and live music.
Check out our complete guide to activities to do in Shillong in winter.
2. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya
Root bridges of Meghalaya are formed through the guidance of roots of rubber fig trees through streams over many years. The month of December is ideal for walking on the root bridges, as the paths are dry, and there is cool air in the forest environment. We offer packages for Meghalaya that will incorporate the path on the basis of your availability.
3. Cherrapunji & Dawki, Meghalaya
Waterfalls remain picturesque even after the rains, and the Umngot River at Dawki is so clear that the boats appear to be gliding in the air. Both places are very convenient to visit within a single day from Shillong.
4. Wari Chora, Meghalaya
This secret riverside location would be perfect for the traveler who is looking for peace rather than chaos. It would suit camping and village-stay trips, particularly if you are planning on having a peaceful New Year without all the celebrations. Take a look at some of our Wari Chora packages.
Plan Your Meghalaya Christmas With Local Experts
Shillong, root bridges, Dawki and Wari Chora are close together but easy to over-pack. We’ll shape them into a smooth itinerary with drivers, stays and timings sorted, so you spend your holiday enjoying the places and not working out the route.
5. Krem Chympe, Meghalaya
If you do not mind getting a bit dirty, visiting Krem Chympe will be worth your while since it is an actual cave to explore and complements Wari Chora very well. Our itinerary for Wari Chora and Krem Chympe includes both destinations.
6. Guwahati, Assam
Here lies most journeys’ starting point because this place has the major airport in the area. Spend an evening visiting the Kamakhya temple, enjoying a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra river and eating well before embarking on the journey uphill to Shillong which is about 100 km away.
7. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage site which houses the majority of one horned rhinos in the world. Go for an early morning Jeep safari, and you are likely to sight one through the fog. Take part in our 7 Days Trip to Meghalaya including Kaziranga.
Pro tip: Safari slots at Kohora and Bagori sell out around Christmas. Book your jeep slot at the same time as your hotel, not after.
8. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
There is usually snowfall on the Sela Pass by the end of December, and the Tawang Monastery is quite enchanting in the cold weather. The roads may get closed due to heavy snowfall, hence allowing a day extra for your plans. Come along with us on the Tawang Dirang Bomdilla tour.
9. Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh
With apple orchards, hot springs and quiet mountains, Dirang is a relaxing stop in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also a good place to recuperate from the trip up to Tawang.
10. Kohima & Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
The Christmas lights, the markets, and the warmth and hospitality of the Nagas make Kohima the perfect destination for a Christmas vacation. As far as treks go, Dzukou Valley is the star attraction although it gets extremely cold during winter nights. Check out our Dzukou Valley Trek or our Nagaland packages.
Bonus: Three Rajasthan Cities for a Sunnier Finish
While the state of Rajasthan is not a part of the Northeastern region of India, December is the peak season there, and the difference is absolutely beautiful. Should your party be interested in a journey that starts with hills and ends up with palaces, these three will do. Check out our Rajasthan holiday packages.
Want Kaziranga, Tawang Or Kohima In One Trip?
Combining Assam, Arunachal and Nagaland takes careful planning, from long road days to Inner Line Permits. Share your dates and we’ll build a realistic winter route with permits, safari slots and overnight stops included.
11. Jaipur
Jaipur, the Pink City, is at its best in December, with warm, sunny days that make sightseeing easy and cool evenings that call for a light shawl. Start your day at Amer Fort, ride up to the ramparts and take in the views over Maota Lake. Then head into the old city to see the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the Jantar Mahal observatory. Finish with an evening in the bazaars, where Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are full of jewellery, block-printed textiles, blue pottery and juttis. Two nights are enough to cover the main sights without rushing.
12. Udaipur
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is the most romantic stop on this trip, and it feels special at New Year. Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, then walk through the City Palace complex, whose courtyards and balconies look out over the water. Jagdish Temple and the lanes around Gangaur Ghat are good for an easy evening stroll. For New Year’s Eve, book a rooftop table early, as the candlelit dinners with a view of the lake and the lit-up palace fill quickly. Plan on two nights here.
13. Jodhpur
Jodhpur, the Blue City, brings the Rajasthan leg to a royal finish. Mehrangarh Fort stands high above the city, and its audio guide and museum galleries are well worth the time. Nearby, Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial, looks particularly beautiful in the soft winter light. Afterwards, wander the blue-painted lanes of the old city and visit the Clock Tower market for spices, textiles and street food, including the famous mirchi vada. One or two nights is enough, depending on how slowly you like to travel.
Expert insight:Most guests try to squeeze Meghalaya, Kaziranga, Tawang and Kohima into a single week. From our desk in Shillong, that almost never works. Tawang alone needs two full days each way on the road. Pick two regions and see them properly, and you will come home with better memories than a longer checklist ever gives you.
How Can You Plan Christmas & New Year in Northeast India Smoothly?
Follow these steps and the trip falls into place:
- Set your dates and region first. Select no more than two regions if you are on a 7 to 10 day trip.
- Book your flight tickets to Guwahati in advance. The Christmas period is usually fully booked and the prices go up.
- Get your permits sorted out in advance. For Indians, you will require an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. This may not be the same for foreign nationals.
- Prepare for two weather conditions. Tawang is much colder than Guwahati, therefore bring along warm clothes.
- Book hotels and safaris as soon as you set your dates.
Booking Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October–early November | Book flights, key hotels and Kaziranga safari slots |
| November | Apply for Inner Line Permits and confirm cabs and guides |
| Early December | Final payment, pack warm layers, share ID copies for permits |
| 20–31 December | Peak prices and crowds, so avoid last-minute changes |
Sample 7-Day Christmas Itinerary (Meghalaya + Kaziranga)
- Day 1: Travel to Shillong from Guwahati
- Day 2: Sightseeing in Shillong, Christmas carols in the evening
- Day 3: Waterfalls in Cherrapunji and root-bridge trail
- Day 4: River Dawki visit and village stopover
- Day 5: Travel to Kaziranga
- Day 6: Jeep safari in the morning, leisure in the afternoon
- Day 7: Back to Guwahati for return travel
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Scheduling flight and hotel booking in the first week of December rather than October or November
- Including Tawang and Kaziranga in a short trip without considering road buffer days
- Neglecting the weather above 3,000 meters
- Scheduling permit issuance for the last week
- Assuming all roads will be accessible post-snowfall
Our quick tip: A Northeast India Christmas trip runs best when locals handle the logistics. For a relaxed Christmas holiday, Northeast India has many calm corners. Call us on 7005056090, tell us your budget, and we will shape the route. We also plan Shillong New Year trips with bonfire dinners and private cabs.
Final Thoughts
The best Christmas and New Year trip in Northeast India is not the one with the most stops. It is the one that matches your pace: carols and cafés in Shillong, a rhino at sunrise in Kaziranga, snow at Tawang, or a quiet night by the river at Wari Chora. Pick one or two regions, book early, and leave room to breathe.
If you want help choosing, The Shillong Tours will build a custom itinerary with a clear quote. Call 7005056090, message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry and we will reply with a plan for your dates.
Book Your Christmas & New Year Trip Before Dates Fill Up
Flights to Guwahati, hotels and Kaziranga safari slots fill up fast in the last weeks of December. Send us your dates today and we’ll confirm a complete itinerary with stays, transport and guides, so you can enjoy a stress-free festive holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I go to Christmas & New Year in Northeast India during 2026-27?
Yes, the month of December experiences cool weather, festivities and amazing wildlife. But, there will be an increase in pricing during the final week of December so plan ahead.
2. What is the temperature like in December?
The temperatures in Shillong range from around 5°C to 18°C. It gets freezing at night in Tawang, and in Dzukou Valley, it is even cooler.
3. Do I need permits?
Indian visitors require an Inner Line Permit for visiting Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. We take care of all the documentation on your behalf.
4. For how many days should I plan?
Seven to ten days would suffice for exploring Meghalaya, Kaziranga and another place as well.
5. Is Kaziranga National Park open in December?
Yes. Jeep safaris have started since 3rd October 2026, and elephant safaris will be back from 1st November. Please always book your slots in advance.
6. Is this holiday trip family-friendly?
Yes. Check out our family holiday options or WhatsApp us to create one just for you.
7. What’s the best place for New Year in Northeast India?
Shillong for bonfire parties and live music, Wari Chora for a riverside celebration, and Udaipur with added Rajasthan for a romantic dinner date.
